Simon Lumsden will speak on habit, ecological crisis and social change when he addresses the Port Macquarie Philosophy Forum in September.
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The associate professor of philosophy at the University of NSW, Simon completed a PhD in philosophy in 1998 at the University of Sydney.
He has worked at Macquarie University and the University of Sydney.
The associate professor has taught philosophy at the University of New South Wales since 2004. He is the author of Self-Consciousness and the Critique of the Subject Columbia University Press, 2014.
He has published on German idealism, modern philosophy, and environmental philosophy.
"Modern philosophy generally argues that reason and good argument have the central role in changing norms and values," he said.
"In this talk I claim that social and normative change is a much more complex process than offering good reasons.
"Understanding the difficulties involved in normative change requires an appreciation of the role of habit or second nature in the establishment of the norms that underpin much of our action.
"Drawing on the thought of Hegel and Dewey, I discuss the role of habit in establishing the authority of our norms and how they can be changed.
"An appreciation of the role of habit in culture allows us to: firstly, better conceive the difficulty and resistance of individuals to changing norms; secondly, it allows us to understand that the effective adoption of a new norm, such as, for example the behavioural change necessary to respond to something like the current ecological crisis, requires not just more reasons but the creation of material pathways in our culture by which new norms can be inhabited."
The intention of this public forum is to provide a venue for philosophy enthusiasts, and those with a general interest, to hold discussions and hear lectures about philosophy.
Guest speakers from universities, and other relevant institutions, are sought to speak on the big philosophical questions of our time. Members of the forum from the local area are also invited to speak.
The Port Macquarie Philosophy Forum is at Port City Bowling Club on Thursday September 26, 6pm to about 7.30pm.
Cost is $10 or $5 pensioner, concession.
For more information go to the Port Macquarie Philosophy Forum website.
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